November twenty-fifth in the daycare center: a sensitive project against physical and symbolic gender violence on women and children

Abstract

Why talk about gender violence in an environment like the day care center? Parents of children who attend the day care center are very important subjects with which to share educational concepts. This project is dedicated to women and men who attend the daycare center. It has the purpose to discuss this  phenomenon that must not be confined in silence. It is necessary to give a voice to those who have none, for helping everyone and, finally, see emotional changes. It is very important, to give occasions to baby's families for thinking about these themes. The first step should be done from the babyhood, just in the moment when gender stereotypes are built and find deep roots. This is the reason, why in the daycare center and then in the preschools, it is necessary to improve a culture based on the appreciation of differences. Starting from this belief, to mark the 25th of November, International Day against violence on women, San Donato and Viganò daycare centers, located in Bologna, promote, for years, awareness-raising initiatives.  Every single 25th of November all the families are invited to spend the whole day at the daycare center with the children. During the welcome's moment the organizers hand out information material on “Casa delle donne per non subire violenza” and they set up a space with themed poems. During that morning there is a performance, created by the educators, followed from a workshop moment which involves both children than parents. Every performance chosen is full of symbols and gives sensations related to content of the day, a day based on the strong sharing of thoughts and emotions.